The band formed in Boulder, Colorado in early 2006 to make live music for haunted houses. Frequenting the Broker Inn on the edge of town for empty late-night jazz shows, Polachek, Pfenning and Wimberly were mystified by the 1980's faux-gothic architecture, oak-cabinet aquariums, vacant dancefloors, fake trees, crystal chandeliers and dark velveteen booths. Relocating to Brooklyn in the summer of 2006, the trio continued on to develop a hypnotic yet tongue-in-cheek style, playing shows around Brooklyn and the Lower East Side.
'Evident Utensil', released on 7" vinyl featuring a remix by MGMT, marked Chairlift's first release on Kanine. Chairlift unleashed their first full-length album, "Does You Inspire You", on Kanine Records on September 30th, 2008. The duo completed their sophomore album, "Something" in 2011 for release in January 2012. Recorded between New York and London, they recruited producers Alan Moulder (Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails) and Dan Carey (MIA, Franz Ferdinand, Lily Allen) and Carey also mixed the majority of the record. Three singles, 'Amanaemonesia', 'Sidewalk Safari' and 'Met Before' preceded the album's release. "Moth", the third and final album was released January 22, 2016, preceded by the single 'Ch-Ching'.
Moth To The Flame
Chairlift Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can't help it, I′m a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a
(He′s that kind of man, mama)
I should know better than to take your love letters to heart
When the game's already lost before it starts
Like a nod of understanding
From the power who first felt this way
How can I turn away?
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can't help it, I′m a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a
(He′s that kind of man, mama)
But every little pull at the end of the golden rope
Fills my foolish heart with foolish hope
That maybe you might feel the same
As if feeling the same was the name of the game
The name of the game
I shouldn't be playing
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can't help it, I′m a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a
(He′s that kind of man, mama)
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can't get
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can′t get
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can't get
I shouldn′t be playing
I can't help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Oh, I′m a moth to the flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (To the flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Oh, to the flame)
I can′t help it, I'm a
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can′t get
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can't get
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can't get
Close enough, close enough
Close enough to you, I can′t get
(He′s that kind of man, mama)
The main theme of "Moth To The Flame" by Chairlift is the inevitability of attraction, despite knowing that it could lead to danger or heartbreak. The singer compares herself to a moth, unable to resist the pull of a flame, even though she knows the consequences of getting too close. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware that her attraction is not rational, but instead driven by an innate desire that is out of her control. The line "Hope hides inside the cliché like a nod of understanding" suggests that despite the patterns we know of in relationships, we still hope for something more.
The chorus repeats the sentiment that the singer is a moth to the flame, emphasizing the idea of being drawn to something despite the risks. The lyric "every little pull at the end of the golden rope fills my foolish heart with foolish hope" suggests that the singer is being led on by the person she is attracted to, and despite this, still feels hopeful that they might feel the same. The final verse repeats the chorus, but also adds "close enough to you, I can't get." This line suggests that despite the singer's attraction, she can't bridge the gap between herself and the object of her desire.
Line by Line Meaning
I can′t help it, I'm a moth to the flame (Flame)
I can't resist the allure of love, even when it may end in pain or destruction.
I should know better than to take your love letters to heart
I understand that your words may be insincere or may not reflect your true feelings.
When the game's already lost before it starts
Our relationship is destined for failure or disappointment.
Hope hides inside the cliché
There may still be a chance for our relationship, despite the odds.
Like a nod of understanding
I feel comforted by the possibility of mutual understanding and connection.
From the power who first felt this way
Someone who has experienced love before may relate to my feelings and provide guidance.
How can I turn away?
I am unable to resist the temptation of love, even when it may lead to heartbreak.
But every little pull at the end of the golden rope
Every hopeful sign or gesture from you renews my faith in our relationship.
Fills my foolish heart with foolish hope
My heart is full of naive hope that our relationship will succeed despite the odds.
As if feeling the same was the name of the game
I am fixated on the idea that mutual feelings are necessary for a successful relationship.
I shouldn't be playing
I am aware that the risks and potential heartbreak of our relationship may not be worth the reward.
Close enough, close enough
Despite the distance between us, I crave your presence and closeness.
Close enough to you, I can't get
No matter how hard I try, I cannot attain the closeness I desire with you.
(He's that kind of man, mama)
I am drawn to men who may not be good for me and have a track record of heartbreak.
Writer(s): Jonathan Patrick Wimberly, Caroline Elizabeth Polachek
Contributed by Bentley J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anne
Are you kidding me every song is so fucking good how is this possible... Can't wait to have Moth and play it on repeat!
Ati Salvaro
+Anne Cav Because they are superior E.T.-s
a.l.89
just one word: spotify
Mateo
This song is soooo good! It's incredibly playful and just gets better as it goes on. Insane.
in omnia paratus
This song has the makings of a hit imo, so I'm surprised it isn't bigger on the charts... Oh well, anyway... I really wish this song gets a music video treatment. If not, i'm thinking of making one because i really think this song deserves a mv. The song is so hynoptically catchy. It's been stuck in my head all week.
Maxime CP
Loving every song out so far, I have a feeling this album will be a big part of my 2016!
Es Pee
This is so fucking good. Damn. This one is radio friendly, but in a way that isn't annoying. Catchy and stuff. Woo!
Eric Kolkey
GREAT STUFF! I LOVE all of the new songs and that is why I pre-ordered the vinyl and cd! I LOVE CHAIRLIFT!!!!!!!
dust hymn
How can this new album only have 10 tracks? I WANT SO MUCH MORE. THEIR SO AWESOME
marcio lima
muito bom!!!